7 reasons you should visit Peru, according to the experts

South America holds treasures unlike any other place in the world. Travel to the East Coast and discover Brazil, where you’ll be rewarded with one big festival of colour, sound, food and parties. If that’s not your thing head over to the West, which is home to ancient ruins, incredible wildlife and a unique culture.

The captivating sight of Machu Picchu alone should be enough to convince you to drop everything and head to Peru, but there’s so much more packed into this vast country than you could ever imagine. Here are a few reasons you should visit, courtesy of the experts at STA Travel...

Nazca Lines

The Nazca lines are World Heritage listed and are the wonders of the Peruvian Plains. The biomorphs include an array of around 70 animal and plant figures, ranging from a monkey to a 1,000 foot long pelican. Add in the 900 geometric shapes and you’ve got one incredible view.

Iquitos

Iquitos offers up a mixture of culture, food and entertainment than most other cities can’t. Its prime location on the Amazon River means you can get up close and personal with the world’s largest rainforest one day, soak up the sun on the white sand beaches of Quistocochathe next, and top it all off with stroll around the architecturally beautiful city.

Arequipa &The Colca Canyon

With not just one, not two, but three dramatic volcanoes, Arequipa is a city with an incredible backdrop. Just North of the city lies the Colca Canyon, home to ancient farmland, a beautiful oasis, and more scenery than most European cities.

Cusco & The Sacred Valley

Welcome to the heart of the Andes and the Inca capital. Despite what you may think, it’s not just ancient ruins and buildings. The cafés and bars that line the terracotta streets and the clubs in the Plaza de Armasare a perfect parallel to the archaeological ruins. Settlements in the Sacred Valley are perfect to get a true taste of the culture, with huge markets and a weaving cooperative that has revived ancient skills amongst local women.

Lima

Often overlooked, Peru’s capital is actually well worth a visit. Wander around the museums and old town and be inspired by the beautiful architecture that surrounds the Plaza Mayor. Fancy finding a hidden gem? Take some time to explore and you may just discover the ancient clay pyramid of Huaca Pucllana.

The Amazon

A trip to Latin America wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Amazon. Head to Iquitos in the North or Puerto Maldonado in the South where you can canoe up the river into the heart of the jungle. Delve into another world and get your camera ready for all kinds of wildlife, scenery and canopy expeditions.

Pachacamac

Transport yourself back to AD 100 and to the beginning of the Lima culture at the archaeological complex of Pachacamac. Granted, it’s not on the same scale as Machu Picchu, but this was once an important Inca site. Today, you can explore the excavated temples and climb the trail to the top of the Templodel Sol where, you’ll find gorgeous views of the coast.